Calgary man who killed teen with pickaxe in 2007 granted full parole

Full parole has been granted to a Calgary man who killed a teenager with a pickaxe at a house party more than a decade ago.

Matt McKay, 17, was killed during an altercation at a house party in Queensland in September 2007.

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Drunk and high, Marko Miljevic wasn’t involved in the initial argument, but picked up the pickaxe and hit McKay in the head with it.

Described as being “lazy, self-indulgent and immature” by the judge, Miljevic was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for ten years.

Over the past couple of years, he’s been able to garner more freedoms through the Parole Board.

In documents obtained by Global News, the board granted full parole after a hearing in late-May.

Miljevic, who is now 29, is said to take full responsibility for his actions and has made significant progress in custody.

“You appear to be managing your addictions and have remained substance-free for a lengthy period,” the decision read. “You have full-time work, community support and have temporary housing arranged until you can secure your own rental unit.”

While Miljevic is being lauded for his efforts, the board did express concern over one incident in November 2017 where he was in a vehicle that was pulled over by police.

“You had not previously been approved by your parole officer to have contact with this friend and you did not inform of your change in plans,” the board said. “Your friend smoked marijuana which police observed and his vehicle was impounded.”

The board went on to say Miljevic apologized for his “poor judgment” and a pass for the following weekend was cancelled as a result of the encounter.

“Your case management team indicates that with the exception of this incident, you have been fully compliant with your release conditions and engaged in your correctional plan,” the board concluded. “Your parole officer believes you are emotionally stable and your risk is manageable in the absence of counselling.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Your case management team indicates that with the exception of this incident, you have been fully compliant with your release conditions and engaged in your correctional plan," the board concluded. "Your parole officer believes you are emotionally stable and your risk is manageable in the absence of counselling."

Several conditions will remain during his parole, including for a trip he has planned for Montenegro in September.